Pillar 5: Strong Communities

Sustainability scholars

The Sustainability Scholars program is one of many targeted investments that we provide to students in Oregon. The program, which began in 2012, works with a select group of students at the Portland State University Honors College to give them both an enhanced course of study and, more critically, financial support toward their education.

Each year, the program offers two-year scholarships to eight students. The PGE Sustainability Scholars focus their work on the development of ”Smart Cities” — advanced cities that look to incorporate sustainability, spur economic development and create a smarter energy infrastructure through the use of technology and data.

During their sophomore year, the students concentrate on an urban ecology course in preparation for their honors thesis and a junior-year internship that addresses Smart City solutions for challenges like energy, air quality, wastewater management and climate change.

“I’m excited about receiving the PGE scholarship to work on Smart Cities projects,” said Fatima Preciado, second-year Honors College student. “I’m a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, and this is going to help me invest in my education and future, while helping people with diverse backgrounds have access to sustainable resources.”